Close collaboration and integrated services key to a timely workplace project delivery

UK Hydrographic Office - New Headquarters

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is one of the world’s leading marine geospatial information agencies. They wanted their new headquarters to provide an inspiring, open workspace for people to thrive together. UKHO engaged us as part of the team to bring their vision to life.

We delivered integrated engineering design, from concept to handover, working in close collaboration with architect AHR, main contractor BAM, and cost consultant Mace to meet the ambitious three-year programme. Our services included structural, civil, and electrical engineering, transport planning, acoustics, and environmental and geotechnical consultancy.

We based our structural engineering design on a concrete flat slab structure, which suited the grid shape of the building, was very effective for thermal mass, and helped streamline service distribution. This structural design solution allows for any heat generated by people, technology, etc., to be absorbed in the slab and leave the building at night through open vents. This helps maintain comfortable temperatures in the building all year round.

Through careful attention to engineering details, we designed a highly sustainable, low energy system that has significantly reduced costs for installing, operating, and maintaining fans, pumps and chillers. A building management system controls the opening and closing of the top half of every window. Employees can adjust the bottom half of each window for instant access to fresh air, so they’re always comfortable within their own micro-environment.

Marking a cultural shift in modern ways of working, UKHO’s new headquarters aims to bring out the best in people with a flexible space designed around communication, creativity, and interaction. In a step-change away from their previous cellular-office building, the layout encourages a one team approach by prioritising collaborative and agile work areas for up to 850 people.